Early Years News June 1

June 9, 2025

FAO Solihull early years and childcare providers

Solihull Provider reference group- last chance to nominate 

Could you represent your early years and childcare ‘group’ in our reference group? Complete this simple form to apply. We are especially interested in a child minder representative and a PVI group setting rep. More information is attached here: Solihull provider focus group -nominations . Closing date 6.6.25

Business Energy Advice Service project 

This provides Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with free energy and grants up to £100,000. The Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) is a pilot programme designed to help businesses save money and drive growth by providing free energy assessments and 50% match-funded grants. BEAs project

Solihull school readiness 

Many of you will be talking about getting ready for children’s transition to a new setting, and helping the new setting get ‘ready’ for their new group of children. It is often a time to think about a child’s all around health. Our Solihull Local offer webpage on communication and interaction starts with ‘check’ – the Health for Under 5s website recommends children should begin to have a regular eye check before they start school. This can be via a health professional or opticians. The need for an eye test may be identified at a child’s health visitor development check at 2 – 2 ½ years or you or parents may identify a need. Opticians will test any child under 2 + with a referral from education setting or health visitor. The earlier hearing and vision problems are identified, the better.

To prevent absence from setting it is important that children brush their teeth and visit the dentist. This is something that we can all encourage from an early age. Good oral health is important to prevent children being in pain and for good health.

Solihull support for families 

Solihull has free courses for adults who wants to think about their relationship and consider how to navigate healthy relationships and manage parental conflict.

inourplace | Solihull Approach – Falling out and making up: skills for life

Free Online Courses – Solihull Approach | inourplace -some of the courses available in Solihull …such as the online course understanding your baby, are here.

https://www.solihull.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-04/Summer-25-timetable.pdf -the summer timetable from Solihull parenting team.

Inclusive childcare- reflecting on practice for wrap around, holiday scheme and wider childcare providers. [reminder to book on]

Further information is in the attached here: Inclusive childcare for wrap around and holiday play scheme providers for this training 23rd June 2025 at 9.30am at Solihull Council House.

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